Spin-state changes in cytochrome P-450cam on binding of specific substrates

Modeling Heterogeneous Catalysis Using Quantum Computers: An Academic and Industry Perspective

Heterogeneous catalysis plays a critical role in many industrial processes, including the production of fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, and research to improve current catalytic processes is important to make the chemical industry more sustainable. Despite its importance, the challenge of identifying optimal catalysts with the required activity and selectivity persists, demanding a detailed understanding of the complex interactions between catalysts and reactants at various length and time scales. Density functional theory (DFT) has been the workhorse in modeling heterogeneous catalysis for more than three decades. While DFT has been instrumental, this review explores the application of quantum computing algorithms in modeling heterogeneous catalysis, which could bring a paradigm shift in our approach to understanding catalytic interfaces. Bridging academic and industrial perspectives by focusing on emerging materials, such as multicomponent alloys, single-atom catalysts, and magnetic catalysts, we delve into the limitations of DFT in capturing strong correlation effects and spin-related phenomena. The review also presents important algorithms and their applications relevant to heterogeneous catalysis modeling to showcase advancements in the field. Additionally, the review explores embedding strategies where quantum computing algorithms handle strongly correlated regions, while traditional quantum chemistry algorithms address the remainder, thereby offering a promising approach for large-scale heterogeneous catalysis modeling. Looking forward, ongoing investments by academia and industry reflect a growing enthusiasm for quantum computing's potential in heterogeneous catalysis research. The review concludes by envisioning a future where quantum computing algorithms seamlessly integrate into research workflows, propelling us into a new era of computational chemistry and thereby reshaping the landscape of modeling heterogeneous catalysis.

Non-Canonical Cytochrome P450 Enzymes in Nature

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are a superfamily of thiolate-ligated heme metalloenzymes principally responsible for the hydroxylation of unactivated C-H bonds. The lower-axial cysteine is an obligatory and universally conserved residue for the CYP enzyme class. Herein, we challenge this paradigm by systematically identifying non-canonical CYPs (ncCYPs) that do not harbor a cysteine ligand. Our bioinformatic search reveals 20 distinct ncCYP families with diverse ligands encoded in microbial genomes. We characterize a native serine-ligated CYP with a high-spin ferric resting state. Its crystal structure clearly shows a typical CYP fold and a serine alkoxide as a lower axial heme ligand. In addition, we report the discovery and characterization of the first native selenocysteine-ligated CYP in nature. Our findings radically expand the CYP metalloenzyme family.

Detection of a Kinetically Competent Compound-I Intermediate in the Vancomycin Biosynthetic Enzyme OxyB

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are abundantly encoded in microbial genomes. Their reactions have two general outcomes, one involving oxygen insertion via a canonical "oxygen rebound" mechanism and a second that diverts from this pathway and leads to a wide array of products, notably intramolecular oxidative cross-links. The antibiotic of-last-resort, vancomycin, contains three such cross-links, which are crucial for biological activity and are installed by the P450 enzymes OxyB, OxyA, and OxyC. The mechanisms of these enzymes have remained elusive in part because of the difficulty in spectroscopically capturing transient intermediates. Using stopped-flow UV/visible absorption and rapid freeze-quench electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, we show that OxyB generates the highly reactive compound-I intermediate, which can react with a model vancomycin peptide substrate in a kinetically competent fashion to generate product. Our results have implications for the mechanism of OxyB and are in line with the notion that oxygen rebound and oxidative cross-links share early steps in their catalytic cycles.

In Situ Structural Observation of a Substrate- and Peroxide-Bound High-Spin Ferric-Hydroperoxo Intermediate in the P450 Enzyme CYP121

The P450 enzyme CYP121 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalyzes a carbon-carbon (C-C) bond coupling cyclization of the dityrosine substrate containing a diketopiperazine ring, cyclo(l-tyrosine-l-tyrosine) (cYY). An unusual high-spin (S = 5/2) ferric intermediate maximizes its population in less than 5 ms in the rapid freeze-quenching study of CYP121 during the shunt reaction with peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid solution. We show that this intermediate can also be observed in the crystalline state by EPR spectroscopy. By developing an on-demand-rapid-mixing method for time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography with X-ray free-electron laser (tr-SFX-XFEL) technology covering the millisecond time domain and without freezing, we structurally monitored the reaction in situ at room temperature. After a 200 ms peracetic acid reaction with the cocrystallized enzyme-substrate microcrystal slurry, a ferric-hydroperoxo intermediate is observed, and its structure is determined at 1.85 Å resolution. The structure shows a hydroperoxyl ligand between the heme and the native substrate, cYY. The oxygen atoms of the hydroperoxo are 2.5 and 3.2 Å from the iron ion. The end-on binding ligand adopts a near-side-on geometry and is weakly associated with the iron ion, causing the unusual high-spin state. This compound 0 intermediate, spectroscopically and structurally observed during the catalytic shunt pathway, reveals a unique binding mode that deviates from the end-on compound 0 intermediates in other heme enzymes. The hydroperoxyl ligand is only 2.9 Å from the bound cYY, suggesting an active oxidant role of the intermediate for direct substrate oxidation in the nonhydroxylation C-C bond coupling chemistry.

Redox and spectroscopic properties of mammalian nitrite reductase-like hemoproteins

Besides the canonical pathway of L-arginine oxidation to produce nitric oxide (NO) in vivo, the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway has been widely accepted as another source for circulating NO in mammals, especially under hypoxia. To date, there have been at least ten heme-containing nitrite reductase-like proteins discovered in mammals with activities mainly identified in vitro, including four globins (hemoglobin, myoglobin, neuroglobin (Ngb), cytoglobin (Cygb)), three mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes (cytochrome c oxidase, cytochrome bc₁, cytochrome c), and three other heme proteins (endothelial nitric oxide synthase, cytochrome P450 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)). The pathophysiological functions of these proteins are closely related to their redox and spectroscopic properties, as well as their protein structure, although the physiological roles of Ngb, Cygb and IDO1 remain unclear. So far, comprehensive summaries of the redox and spectroscopic properties of these nitrite reductase-like hemoproteins are still lacking. In this review, we have mainly summarized the published data on the application of ultraviolet-visible, electron paramagnetic resonance, circular dichroism and resonance Raman spectroscopies, and X-ray crystallography in studying nitrite reductase-like activity of these 10 proteins, in order to sort out the relationships among enzymatic function, structure and spectroscopic characterization, which might help in understanding their roles in redox biology and medicine.

One small step for cytochrome P450 in its catalytic cycle, one giant leap for enzymology

The intermediates operating in the cytochrome P450 catalytic cycle have been investigated for more than half a century, fascinating many enzymologists. Each intermediate has its unique role to carry out diverse oxidations. Natural time course of the catalytic cycle is quite fast, hence, not all of the reactive intermediates could be isolated during physiological catalysis. Different high-valent iron intermediates have been proposed as primary oxidants: the candidates are compound 0 (Cpd 0, [FeOOH][Formula: see text]P450) and compound I (Cpd I, Fe(IV)[Formula: see text]O por[Formula: see text]P450). Among them, the role of Cpd I in hydroxylation is fairly well understood due the discovery of the peroxide shunt. This review endeavors to put the outstanding research efforts conducted to isolate and characterize the intermediates together. In addition to spectral features of each intermediate in the catalytic cycle, the oxidizing powers of Cpd 0 and Cpd I will be discussed along with most recent scientific findings.

A siloxyl bis-pocket thiolate-tailed Fe(III) porphyrin complex

We report the synthesis and characterization of a bis-pocket iron(III) porphyrin complex that has a covalently attached siloxy thiolate group as the axial ligand. As a new cytochrome P450 model compound, this siloxyl bis-pocket thiolate-tailed iron(III) porphyrin is easily synthesized and is surprisingly stable under air due to the extreme steric protection of the siloxy pockets on both faces of the porphyrin. A single-crystal XRD structure has been determined; the Fe–S bond distance is 2.237 (7) Å with Fe–N bond distances of 2.100 (8) and the Fe is 0.5 Å out of the mean porphyrin plane. The Fe–S bond distance in the siloxy thiolate-tailed iron(III) porphyrin is very similar to that in cytochrome P450 and this structure represents a very rare crystallographically-characterized five-coordinate high spin alkylthiolate-tailed ferric porphyrin. EPR spectrum of this compound showed g values and an E/D ratio very similar to those of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme, demonstrating the importance of using a very basic thiolate group as the axial ligand in P450 model studies. UV-vis studies of its reduced form with carbon monoxide shows a hyper spectrum, which is characteristic of carbonyl complexes of Fe(II)porphyrin thiolates.

Protonation of the Hydroperoxo Intermediate of Cytochrome P450 2B4 Is Slower in the Presence of Cytochrome P450 Reductase Than in the Presence of Cytochrome b5

Microsomal cytochromes P450 (P450) require two electrons and two protons for the oxidation of substrates. Although the two electrons can be provided by cytochrome P450 reductase, the second electron can also be donated by cytochrome b5 (b5). The steady-state activity of P450 2B4 is increased up to 10-fold by b5. To improve our understanding of the molecular basis of the stimulatory effect of b5 and to test the hypothesis that b5 stimulates catalysis by more rapid protonation of the anionic ferric hydroperoxo heme intermediate of P450 (Fe³⁺OOH)^- and subsequent formation of the active oxidizing species (Fe⁺⁴═O POR^•+), we have freeze-quenched the reaction mixture during a single turnover following reduction of oxyferrous P450 2B4 by each of its redox partners, b5 and P450 reductase. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the freeze-quenched reaction mixtures lacked evidence of a hydroperoxo intermediate when b5 was the reductant presumably because hydroperoxo protonation and catalysis occurred within the dead time of the instrument. However, when P450 reductase was the reductant, a hydroperoxo P450 intermediate was observed. The effect of b5 on the enzymatic efficiency in D₂O and the kinetic solvent isotope effect under steady-state conditions are both consistent with the ability of b5 to promote rapid protonation of the hydroperoxo species and more efficient catalysis. In summary, by binding to the proximal surface of P450, b5 stimulates the activity of P450 2B4 by enhancing the rate of protonation of the hydroperoxo intermediate and formation of Compound I, the active oxidizing species, which allows less time for side product formation.

Rapid kinetic methods to dissect steroidogenic cytochrome P450 reaction mechanisms

All cytochrome P450 enzyme reactions involve a catalytic cycle with several discreet physical or chemical steps. This cycle ends with the formation of the reactive heme iron-oxygen complex, which oxygenates substrate. While the steps might be very similar for each P450 enzyme, the rates of each step varies tremendously for each enzyme and sometimes even for different reactions catalyzed by the same enzyme. For example, the rate-limiting step for most bacterial P450 enzymes, with turnover numbers over 1000s(-1), is the second electron transfer. In contrast, steroidogenic P450s from eukaryotes catalyze much slower reactions, with turnover numbers of ∼5-250min(-1); therefore, assumptions about kinetic properties for the mammalian P450 enzymes based on the bacterial enzymes are tenuous. In order to dissect the rates for individual steps, special techniques that isolate individual steps and/or single turnovers are required. This article will review the theoretical principles and practical considerations for several of these techniques, with illustrative published examples. The reader should gain an appreciation for the appropriate methods used to interrogate particular steps in the P450 reaction cycle.

Identification of proximal and distal axial ligands in Leishmania major pseudoperoxidase

Previous optical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies of the newly discovered peroxynitrite scavenging pseudoperoxidase from Leishmania major (LmPP) suggested that ferric LmPP contained a six-coordinate low-spin (6cLS) heme with a thiolate ligand, presumably a cysteine, bound to its heme iron. To identify the axial ligands of LmPP, we exploit a systematic mutational analysis of potential heme ligands. On the basis of UV-visible and EPR spectroscopy, we report that the substitution of the proximal His206 with alanine in LmPP alters the 6cLS to a five-coordinate high spin (5cHS) form at pH 4.0 that has a spectrum characteristic of a Cys-ligated 5cHS derivative. The electronic absorption and EPR analysis of all alanine-substituted Cys and Met single mutants establish that when Cys107 is replaced with alanine, a new species appears that has a spectrum characteristic of a histidine-ligated 5cHS derivative at pH 4.0. Together, these results suggest that His206 and Cys107 act as the proximal and distal axial ligands in ferric LmPP, respectively. However, the electronic properties of reduced wild-type LmPP are similar to those of known 5cHS His-ligated heme proteins at pH 8.8, indicating that the thiolate bond was broken upon reduction. Furthermore, the wild-type protein was only partially reduced at pH 4.0, but the E105L mutant was completely reduced to form a 5cHS ferrous heme. These results imply that the presence of an acidic residue near the distal site may prevent reduction of the heme iron at acidic pH.

Elucidating second coordination sphere effects in heme proteins using low-temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy

This paper reviews recent findings on how the second coordination sphere of heme proteins fine-tunes the properties of the heme active site via hydrogen bonding. This insight is obtained from low-temperature magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. In the case of high-spin ferric hemes, MCD spectroscopy allows for the identification of a multitude of charge-transfer (CT) transitions. Using optically-detected magnetic saturation curves, out-of-plane polarized CT transitions between the heme and its axial ligand(s) can be identified. In the case of ferric Cytochrome P450cam, the corresponding S(σ)→Fe(III) CT transition can be used as a probe for the {Fe(III)-axial ligand} interaction, indicating that the hydrogen bonding network of the proximal Cys only plays a limited role for fine-tuning the Fe(III)-S(Cys) interaction. In the case of high-spin ferrous hemes with axial His/imidazole coordination, our MCD-spectroscopic investigations have uncovered a direct correlation between the strength of the hydrogen bond to the proximal imidazole ligand and the ground state of the complexes. With neutral imidazole coordination, the doubly occupied d-orbital of high-spin iron(II) is of d(π) character, located orthogonal to the heme plane. As the strength of the hydrogen bond increases, this orbital rotates into the heme plane, changing the ground state of the complex.

A complete volume profile for the reversible binding of camphor to cytochrome P450(cam)

The effect of pressure on the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reversible binding of camphor to cytochrome P450(cam) was studied as a function of the K(+) concentration. The determination of the reaction and activation volumes enabled the construction of the first complete volume profile for the reversible binding of camphor to P450(cam). Although the volume profiles constructed for the reactions conducted at low and high K(+) concentrations are rather similar, and both show a drastic volume increase on going from the reactant to the transition state and a relatively small volume change on going from the transition to the product state, the position of the transition state is largely affected by the K(+) concentration in solution. Similarly, the activation volume determined for the dissociation of camphor is influenced by the presence of K(+), which reflects changes in the ease of water entering the active site of camphor-bound P450(cam) that depends on the K(+) concentration. Careful analysis of the components that contribute to the observed volume changes allowed the estimation of the total number of water molecules expelled to the bulk solvent during the binding of camphor to P450(cam) and the subsequent spin transition. The results are discussed in reference to other studies reported in the literature that deal with the kinetics and thermodynamics of the binding of camphor to P450(cam) under various reaction conditions.

Elucidating the role of the proximal cysteine hydrogen-bonding network in ferric cytochrome P450cam and corresponding mutants using magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy

Although extensive research has been performed on various cytochrome P450s, especially Cyt P450cam, there is much to be learned about the mechanism of how its functional unit, a heme b ligated by an axial cysteine, is finely tuned for catalysis by its second coordination sphere. Here we study how the hydrogen-bonding network affects the proximal cysteine and the Fe-S(Cys) bond in ferric Cyt P450cam. This is accomplished using low-temperature magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy on wild-type (wt) Cyt P450cam and on the mutants Q360P (pure ferric high-spin at low temperature) and L358P where the "Cys pocket" has been altered (by removing amino acids involved in the hydrogen-bonding network), and Y96W (pure ferric low-spin). The MCD spectrum of Q360P reveals fourteen electronic transitions between 15200 and 31050 cm(-1). Variable-temperature variable-field (VTVH) saturation curves were used to determine the polarizations of these electronic transitions with respect to in-plane (xy) and out-of-plane (z) polarization relative to the heme. The polarizations, oscillator strengths, and TD-DFT calculations were then used to assign the observed electronic transitions. In the lower energy region, prominent bands at 15909 and 16919 cm(-1) correspond to porphyrin (P) → Fe charge transfer (CT) transitions. The band at 17881 cm(-1) has distinct sulfur S(π) → Fe CT contributions. The Q band is observed as a pseudo A-term (derivative shape) at 18604 and 19539 cm(-1). In the case of the Soret band, the negative component of the expected pseudo A-term is split into two features due to mixing with another π → π* and potentially a P → Fe CT excited state. The resulting three features are observed at 23731, 24859, and 25618 cm(-1). Most importantly, the broad, prominent band at 28570 cm(-1) is assigned to the S(σ) → Fe CT transition, whose intensity is generated through a multitude of CT transitions with strong iron character. For wt, Q360P, and L358P, this band occurs at 28724, 28570, and 28620 cm(-1), respectively. The small shift of this feature upon altering the hydrogen bonds to the proximal cysteine indicates that the role of the Cys pocket is not primarily for electronic fine-tuning of the sulfur donor strength but is more for stabilizing the proximal thiolate against external reactants (NO, O(2), H(3)O(+)), and for properly positioning cysteine to coordinate to the iron center. This aspect is discussed in detail.

Sulfur base ligation to iron(II) and cobalt(II) porphyrins

Equilibrium constants for the binding of sulfur bases to cobalt(II) porphyrins were measured in toluene solution by a spectrophotometric method. The order of decreasing binding strength of sulfur ligands to cobalt(II) porphyrins was found to be mercaptide ions >> thioethers > mercaptans. It is suggested that a similar stability order of these sulfur ligands should exist towards iron(II) porphyrins, but formation constants could be obtained only for the mercaptide ions.

Cytochrome P450 2C9 type II binding studies on quinoline-4-carboxamide analogues

CYP2C9 is a significant P450 protein responsible for drug metabolism. With the increased use of heterocyclic compounds in drug design, a rapid and efficient predrug screening of these potential type II binding compounds is essential to avoid adverse drug reactions. To understand binding modes, we use quinoline-4-carboxamide analogues to study the factors that determine the structure-activity relationships. The results of this study suggest that the more accessible pyridine with the nitrogen para to the linkage can coordinate directly with the ferric heme iron, but this is not seen for the meta or ortho isomers. The pi-cation interaction of the naphthalene moiety and Arg 108 residue may also assist in stabilizing substrate binding within the active-site cavity. The type II substrate binding affinity is determined by the combination of steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobicity factors; meanwhile, it is enhanced by the strength of lone pair electrons coordination with the heme iron.

Evolutionary history of a specialized p450 propane monooxygenase

The evolutionary pressures that shaped the specificity and catalytic efficiency of enzymes can only be speculated. While directed evolution experiments show that new functions can be acquired under positive selection with few mutations, the role of negative selection in eliminating undesired activities and achieving high specificity remains unclear. Here we examine intermediates along the 'lineage' from a naturally occurring C12-C20 fatty acid hydroxylase (P450BM3) to a laboratory-evolved P450 propane monooxygenase (P450PMO) having 20 heme domain substitutions compared to P450BM3. Biochemical, crystallographic, and computational analyses show that a minimal perturbation of the P450BM3 fold and substrate-binding pocket accompanies a significant broadening of enzyme substrate range and the emergence of propane activity. In contrast, refinement of the enzyme catalytic efficiency for propane oxidation (approximately 9000-fold increase in kcat/Km) involves profound reshaping and partitioning of the substrate access pathway. Remodeling of the substrate-recognition mechanisms ultimately results in remarkable narrowing of the substrate profile around propane and enables the acquisition of a basal iodomethane dehalogenase activity as yet unknown in natural alkane monooxygenases. A highly destabilizing L188P substitution in a region of the enzyme that undergoes a large conformational change during catalysis plays an important role in adaptation to the gaseous alkane. This work demonstrates that positive selection alone is sufficient to completely respecialize the cytochrome P450 for function on a nonnative substrate.

Determinants of cytochrome P450 2C8 substrate binding: structures of complexes with montelukast, troglitazone, felodipine, and 9-cis-retinoic acid

Although a crystal structure and a pharmacophore model are available for cytochrome P450 2C8, the role of protein flexibility and specific ligand-protein interactions that govern substrate binding are poorly understood. X-ray crystal structures of P450 2C8 complexed with montelukast (2.8 A), troglitazone (2.7 A), felodipine (2.3 A), and 9-cis-retinoic acid (2.6 A) were determined to examine ligand-protein interactions for these chemically diverse compounds. Montelukast is a relatively large anionic inhibitor that exhibits a tripartite structure and complements the size and shape of the active-site cavity. The inhibitor troglitazone occupies the upper portion of the active-site cavity, leaving a substantial part of the cavity unoccupied. The smaller neutral felodipine molecule is sequestered with its dichlorophenyl group positioned close to the heme iron, and water molecules fill the distal portion of the cavity. The structure of the 9-cis-retinoic acid complex reveals that two substrate molecules bind simultaneously in the active site of P450 2C8. A second molecule of 9-cis-retinoic acid is located above the proximal molecule and can restrain the position of the latter for more efficient oxygenation. Solution binding studies do not discriminate between cooperative and noncooperative models for multiple substrate binding. The complexes with structurally distinct ligands further demonstrate the conformational adaptability of active site-constituting residues, especially Arg-241, that can reorient in the active-site cavity to stabilize a negatively charged functional group and define two spatially distinct binding sites for anionic moieties of substrates.

Recalling P446. P4501A1 (CYP1A1) opting for clinical application

This review goes back to spectral studies [see Hildebrandt et al., 1968]. The findings of apparent absolute spectra of two interconvertible forms of microsomal mixed function oxidases are looked back on to recall whether their impact sustained scrutiny or are rather remembered as of sentimental value only. The second part summarizes studies on the clinical relevance of CYP1A1 with special reference to our investigations. The impact of genetic variability of CYP1A1 on cancer susceptibility, differential effects of polyphenols and hyperforin on toxification and detoxification pathways of benzo[a]pyrene, and differential metabolite patterns of 17 beta-estradiol, estrone, and eicosapentaenoic acid are presented.

Combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical study on the pentacoordinated ferric and ferrous cytochrome P450cam complexes

The pentacoordinated ferric and ferrous cytochrome P450(cam) complexes have been investigated by combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations in the presence of a protein/solvent environment and by QM calculations on the isolated QM regions with use of density functional theory. The B3LYP functional has been found more reliable than the BLYP and BHLYP functionals for estimating the relative state energies. The B3LYP/CHARMM calculations with an all-electron basis set for iron give high-spin ground states for the title complexes, in agreement with experiment. The comparison of the B3LYP/CHARMM results of the entire protein system with the B3LYP calculations on the naked QM regions shows that the amount of stabilization by the protein environment is largest for the intermediate-spin states, followed by the high-spin states of the complexes. The calculation of Mössbauer parameters in the presence of the enzyme environment confirms the double occupation of the d(xz) orbital in the quintet spin state of the ferrous complex, consistent with the computed QM/MM energies in the enzyme environment, while the d(x)2(-)(y)2 orbital is doubly occupied in the gas-phase quintet state.

Axial ligation and stoichiometry of heme centers in adrenal cytochrome b561

Cytochrome (cyt) b561 transports electrons across the membrane of chromaffin granules (CG) present in the adrenal medulla, supporting the biosynthesis of norepinephrine in the CG matrix. We have conducted a detailed characterization of cyt b561 using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optical spectroscopy on the wild-type and mutant forms of the cytochrome expressed in insect cells. The gz = 3.7 (low-potential heme) and gz = 3.1 (high-potential heme) signals were found to represent the only two authentic hemes of cyt b561; models that propose smaller or greater amounts of heme can be ruled out. We identified the axial ligands to hemes in cyt b561 by mutating four conserved histidines (His54 and His122 at the matrix-side heme center and His88 and His161 at the cytoplasmic-side heme center), thus confirming earlier structural models. Single mutations of any of these histidines produced a constellation of spectroscopic changes that involve not one but both heme centers. We hypothesize that the two hemes and their axial ligands in cyt b561 are integral parts of a structural unit that we term the "kernel". Histidine to glutamine substitutions in the cytoplasmic-side heme center but not in the matrix-side heme center led to the retention of a small fraction of the low-potential heme with gz = 3.7. We provisionally assign the low-potential heme to the matrix side of the membrane; this arrangement suggests that the membrane potential modulates electron transport across the CG membrane.

Common system setup for the entire catalytic cycle of cytochrome P450cam in quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical studies

We describe a system setup that is applicable to all species in the catalytic cycle of cytochrome P450(cam). The chosen procedure starts from the X-ray coordinates of the ferrous dioxygen complex and follows a protocol that includes the careful assignment of protonation states, comparison between different conceivable hydration schemes, and system preparation through a series of classical minimizations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The resulting setup was validated by quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations on the resting state, the pentacoordinated ferric and ferrous complexes, Compound I, the transition state and hydroxo intermediate of the C--H hydroxylation reaction, and the product complex. The present QM/MM results are generally consistent with those obtained previously with individual setups. Concerning hydration, we find that saturating the protein interior with water is detrimental and leads to higher structural flexibility and catalytically inefficient active-site geometries. The MD simulations favor a low water density around Asp251 that facilitates side chain rotation of protonated Asp251 during the conversion of Compound 0 to Compound I. The QM/MM results for the two preferred hydration schemes (labeled SE-1 and SE-4) are similar, indicating that slight differences in the solvation close to the active site are not critical as long as camphor and the crystallographic water molecules preserve their positions in the experimental X-ray structures.

Thermal Equilibrium of High- and Low-Spin Forms of Cytochrome P450 BM-3: Repositioning of the Substrate?

We demonstrate that cytochrome P450 BM-3 in complex with N-palmitoylglycine undergoes a spin state change between room temperature, where optimal activity is seen, and low temperatures, where X-ray diffraction characterization has been carried out. On the basis of NMR measurements of the full-length protein, this spin state change is likely to be accompanied by a general structural rearrangement in the enzyme pocket. The substrate remains bound at all temperatures. We propose that the substrate may "slide" from a position directly atop the heme (thus displacing the ligating water) to the more distant position (thus restoring the ligating water) as the temperature is lowered. This proposal is evaluated on the basis of computational modeling of the protein-ligand complex, using a novel induced fit methodology. We thereby generate a structure with the ligand in close contact with the heme, similar in energy to the experimental structure. With this combination of theory and experiment we provide a specific proposal of how ligands may be positioned for chemistry for this enzyme.

Two States and Two More in the Mechanisms of Hydroxylation and Epoxidation by Cytochrome P450

Past studies have shown that oxidation reactions by P450 Compound I (Cpd I) can be described by two competing quartet and doublet spin states, which possess three unpaired electrons, hence tri-radicals. One electron excitation from the delta orbital to sigma* xy generates two states that possess five unpaired electrons, so-called penta-radicals, in sextet and quartet situations, and which were shown by theory to lie only approximately 12-14 kcal/mol higher in energy than the tri-radical ground states (ref 7). The present study focuses on the C-H hydroxylation and C=C epoxidation of propene by these penta-radical states. It is shown that the initial energy differences, between the penta-radical and tri-radical states, diminish along the reaction pathway, due to the favorable and cumulative exchange stabilization of the more open-shell species. Furthermore, theory suggests that hydrogen bonding to the thiolate ligand, and general polarity of the environment, reduce these gaps further, thereby making the penta-radical states accessible to ground-state reactivity. The interconversion between the tri-radical and penta-radical states along the reaction coordinate will depend on the dynamics of spin-flips and energy barriers between the states. Especially interesting should be the region of the reaction intermediates; for both epoxidation and hydroxylation, this region is typified by a dense manifold of spin states and electromeric states (that differ by the oxidation state of iron), such that the total reactivity would be expected to reflect the interplay of these states, giving rise to multistate reactivity.

A retinoic acid binding cytochrome P450: CYP120A1 from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

At least 35 cytochrome P450 (P450, CYP) or cytochrome P450-like genes have been identified in 10 cyanobacterial genomes yet none have been functionally characterized. CYP110 and CYP120 represent the two largest cyanobacterial P450 families with 16 and four members, respectively, identified to date. The Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 CYP120A1 protein sequence shares high degrees of conservation with CYP120A2 from Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS101 and CYP120B1 and CYP120C1 from Nostoc punctiforme PCC 73102. In this communication, we report the cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of CYP120A1 from Synechocystis. Homology modeling predictions of the three-dimensional structure of CYP120A1 coupled with in silico screening for potential substrates and experimental spectroscopic analyses have identified retinoic acid as a compound binding with high affinity to this P450's catalytic site. These characterizations of Synechocystis CYP120A1 lay the initial foundations for understanding the basic role of cytochrome P450s in cyanobacteria and related organisms.

4-Cyanopyridine, a Versatile Spectroscopic Probe for Cytochrome P450 BM3

The nitrogenous pi -acceptor ligand 4-cyanopyridine (4CNPy) exhibits reversible ligation to ferrous heme in the flavocytochrome P450 BM3 (Kd=1.8 microm for wild type P450 BM3) via its pyridine ring nitrogen. The reduced P450-4CNPy adduct displays unusual spectral properties that provide a useful spectroscopic handle to probe particular aspects of this P450. 4CNPy is competitively displaced upon substrate binding, allowing a convenient route to the determination of substrate dissociation constants for ferrous P450 highlighting an increase in P450 substrate affinity on heme reduction. For wild type P450 BM3, Kd(red)(laurate)=82.4 microm (cf. Kd(ox)=364 microm). In addition, an unusual spectral feature in the red region of the absorption spectrum of the reduced P450-4CNPy adduct is observed that can be assigned as a metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT). It was discovered that the energy of this MLCT varies linearly with respect to the P450 heme reduction potential. By studying the energy of this MLCT for a series of BM3 active site mutants with differing reduction potential (Em), the relationship EMLCT + (3.53 x = Em 17,005 cm)(-1) was derived. The use of this ligand thus provides a quick and accurate method for predicting the heme reduction potentials of a series of P450 BM3 mutations using visible spectroscopy, without the requirement for redox potentiometry.

Structural aspects of ligand binding to and electron transfer in bacterial and fungal P450s

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are heme-containing monooxygenases that are named after an absorption band at 450 nm when complexed with carbon monoxide. They catalyze a wide variety of reactions and are unique in their ability to hydroxylate nonactivated hydrocarbons. P450 enzymes are involved in numerous biological processes, which include the biosynthesis of lipids, steroids, antibiotics, and the degradation of xenobiotics. In line with the variety of reactions catalyzed, the size of their substrates varies significantly. Some P450s have open active sites (e.g., BM3), and some have shielded active sites that open only transiently (e.g., P450cam), whereas others bind the substrate only when attached to carrier proteins (e.g., Oxy proteins). Structural aspects of both organic and gaseous ligand binding and electron transfer are described.

Oxygen Activation and Electron Transfer in Flavocytochrome P450 BM3

In flavocytochrome P450 BM3, there is a conserved phenylalanine residue at position 393 (Phe393), close to Cys400, the thiolate ligand to the heme. Substitution of Phe393 by Ala, His, Tyr, and Trp has allowed us to modulate the reduction potential of the heme, while retaining the structural integrity of the enzyme's active site. Substrate binding triggers electron transfer in P450 BM3 by inducing a shift from a low- to high-spin ferric heme and a 140 mV increase in the heme reduction potential. Kinetic analysis of the mutants indicated that the spin-state shift alone accelerates the rate of heme reduction (the rate determining step for overall catalysis) by 200-fold and that the concomitant shift in reduction potential is only responsible for a modest 2-fold rate enhancement. The second step in the P450 catalytic cycle involves binding of dioxygen to the ferrous heme. The stabilities of the oxy-ferrous complexes in the mutant enzymes were also analyzed using stopped-flow kinetics. These were found to be surprisingly stable, decaying to superoxide and ferric heme at rates of 0.01-0.5 s(-)(1). The stability of the oxy-ferrous complexes was greater for mutants with higher reduction potentials, which had lower catalytic turnover rates but faster heme reduction rates. The catalytic rate-determining step of these enzymes can no longer be the initial heme reduction event but is likely to be either reduction of the stabilized oxy-ferrous complex, i.e., the second flavin to heme electron transfer or a subsequent protonation event. Modulating the reduction potential of P450 BM3 appears to tune the two steps in opposite directions; the potential of the wild-type enzyme appears to be optimized to maximize the overall rate of turnover. The dependence of the visible absorption spectrum of the oxy-ferrous complex on the heme reduction potential is also discussed.

Crystal structures of epothilone D-bound, epothilone B-bound, and substrate-free forms of cytochrome P450epoK

Epothilones are potential anticancer drugs that stabilize microtubules by binding to tubulin in a manner similar to paclitaxel. Cytochrome P450epoK (P450epoK), a heme containing monooxygenase involved in epothilone biosynthesis in the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum, catalyzes the epoxidation of epothilones C and D into epothilones A and B, respectively. The 2.10-, 1.93-, and 2.65-A crystal structures reported here for the epothilone D-bound, epothilone B-bound, and substrate-free forms, respectively, are the first crystal structures of an epothilone-binding protein. Although the substrate for P450epoK is the largest of a P450 whose x-ray structure is known, the structural changes along with substrate binding or product release are very minor and the overall fold is similar to other P450s. The epothilones are positioned with the macrolide ring roughly perpendicular to the heme plane and I helix, and the thiazole moiety provides key interactions that very likely are critical in determining substrate specificity. Interestingly, there are strong parallels between the epothilone/P450epoK and paclitaxel/tubulin interactions. Based on structural similarities, a plausible epothilone tubulin-binding mode is proposed.